Repeat actuation mechanism for business machines



Spt. 22, 1959 w, STUlBER ET All 2,905,297

REPEAT ACTUATION MECHANISM FOR BUSINESS MACHINES Filed April 9, 1958 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Sept. 22, 1959 w. STUlBER ETA!- REPEAT ACTUATION MECHANISM FOR BUSINESS MACHINES Filed April 9, 1958 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Sept. 22, 1959 w. STUIBER ETAL 2,905,297

REPEAT ACTUATION MECHANISM FOR BUSINESS MACHINES Filed April 9. 1958 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 lNVENTOR-S' BY 4 JafuW ATTORNEY United States Patent REPEATACTUATION MECHANISM FOR BUSINESS MACHINES Walter Stuiber, Stein, near Numberg, and Giinter Sclieinpflug, Number-g, Germany, assignors to Firma Triumph Werke Nurnherg A.G., Nurnberg, Germany Application April 9, 1958, Serial No. 727,442 Claims priority, application Germany April 10, 1957 19 Claims. (Cl. 197-17) The present invention relates to a repeat actuation mechanism for business machines, and more particularly to an apparatus which permits simultaneous setting of the type levers, and of the back spacing element for the carriage of the machine to automatically perform repeated operations as long as the associated key is held depressed by the operator. I

It is one object of the present invention to overcome disadvantages of repeat actuation mechanism according to the prior art, and to provide a reliably operating mechanism of simple and inexpensive construction.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a business machine in which any key of the machine, including the back spacing key, can be used for effecting single strokes or automatically repeated strokes.

Another object of the-present invention is to connect the. back spacing key of a business machine with the backspacing element which efiects step-wise retraction of the carriage of the machine in such a manner that the carriage is retracted step by step as long as the back spacing key is held in actuated depressed position.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism permitting repeat actuation of the back spacing element, but being automatically set to single actuation of the back spacing element upon release of the back spacing key.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism by which a group of type levers, and a back spacing element for the carriage, are simultaneously set to perform automatically repeated operations as long as the associated key is held depressed, but are automatically set to perform single operations when a previously depressed key is released and returns to its normal position.

With these objects in view, the present invention mainly consists in a mechanism which comprises drive means; a plurality'of independently movable operating elements including type lever elements and a back spacing element for returning the carriage of a business machine step by step; a plurality of key means movable between a normal position and an actuated position and being respectively associated with the operating elements, one of the key means being a back spacing key means; control means common to all operating elements and being shiftable between a single actuation position and a repeat actuation position; and a set of actuating devices for connecting each key means with the associated operating element. Each actuating device includes a means connected to and controlled by the control means to effect single 'actuationof the respective operating element when the associated key means is actuated while the control means is in said single actuation position, and to effect repeat actuation of the respective operating element when the associated key means is held in said actuated position while the control means is in the repeat actuation position. One of the actuating devices connects the back spacing key means with the back spacing element so that not only the type levers, but also the back spacing ,7 Patented Sept. 22, E959 means can be simultaneously set to perform a single stroke, or a plurality of automatically repeated strokes.

The actuating device which is preferably used for controlling the back spacing means of the machine, prefer ably comprises rotary actuating means for actuating the back spacing element once during each revolution to retract the carriage one step; first coupling means including a shiftable member shiftable between a first position in which the first coupling means couple the actuating means to the drive means for rotation therewith, and a second position for disengaging the first coupling means after a single revolution. Under the action of a spring, the shiftable member tends to assume the second position so that the first coupling means is normally disengaged. The actuating device further comprises second coupling means attached to the back spacing key means for movement with and being movable on the same between a normal position and a releasing position. In the normal position, the second coupling means couple the back spacing key means with the shiftable member so that the same is moved to its first position when the back spacing key means is moved to actuated position. The shiftable member is released for movement to its second position when the back spacing key means returns to its normal position. The arrangement is such that the above mentioned control means in single actuation position engage the second coupling means in actuated position of the back spacing key means for shifting the second coupling means to its releasing position so that the shiftable member is released by the second coupling means and moves to its second position whereby only a single actuation of the back spacing element, and retraction of the carriage for a single step is efiected even if the back spacing key means is held in actuated position. The control means in repeat actuation position engage and maintain the second coupling means in normal position while the back spacing key means is in actuated position so that the shiftable member is held in its first position and repeated actuation of the back spacing element and continuous step-wise retraction of the carriage takes place while the back spacing key means is in its actuated position.

The apparatus preferably includes means urging the control means into the single actuation position; operating means for moving the control means to their repeat actuation position; locking means for locking the control means in the repeat actuation position; and releasing means for releasing the locking means when the back spacing key means returns from actuated position to normal position.

An important feature of the present invention is the provision of rotary actuating cam means for actuating the back spacing means of the carriage. Such actuating means are selectively coupled to rotary drive means for a single revolution, or for rotation as long as the back spacing key is depressed. The control means efiect shifting of the coupling means between single revolution position and repeated revolution position. In all embodiments of the present invention, the manually operated key means are only movable between a normal position and an actuated position, and the apparatus is selectively set to single actuation, or to repeat actuation by shifting of the control means. This constitutes an advantage over the prior art in which the keys have to be depressed in different manners for obtaining a single operation, or a repeat operation.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary side view of a type lever actuation mechanism;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary side view of a part of the mechanism shown in Fig. 1 illustrating a different operational position;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention in which the type lever actuating mechanism of Figure 1 is combined with a carriage back spacing mechanism, the type levers, and all key levers with the exception of one key lever and the back spacing key lever being omitted for the sake of clarity;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary side view showing a portion of Figure l in another operational position; i

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary isometric view illustrating the actuation mechanism for the back spacing means in a different operational position; and

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary isometric view of a detail of Figure 3 taken in direction of the arrow VI in Figure 3.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figures 1 to 4, a set of key levers 20 of which only one key lever is visible, are mounted for independent pivotal movement on the pivot means 21. The key levers 20 tend to assume the illustrated normal position abutting against the stop means 23 under the influence of spring means, not shown. A set of independently movable operating elements adapted to perform operations in the machine and illustrated to be type levers 19 is pivotally mounted at the pivot means 18, each type lever 19 being connected by a link 16, a pivoted lever 13, and another link 10 to a type lever actuating means including a drive lever 2, and a connecting lever 5 pivotally mounted on pivot means 4. The arm 7 of lever 5 is pivotally connected at 11 to the link 10, and similar pivot connections 12, 15, and 17 are provided in the linkage system connecting the actuating lever means 2, 5 with the type lever system 19.

The drive lever 2 has an arm 3 which under the influence of the spring 9 abuts against the fixed stop 74. Since the drive lever 2 is pivotally connected at 6 to the lever 5. shifting of the drive lever 2 will effect pivotal movement of the lever 5 away from the stop 7'. A rotary electrically driven drive means 1 is mounted in the frame of the machine and extends across all members 3 of the type lever actuating means 2. 5. The members 3 have rough faces opposite the cylindrical surface of the rotary drive means 1, such faces being normally spaced from the drum surface as illustrated in Fig. 1. A U-shaped element 24 is pivotally mounted on a pin 25 on each kev lever 20, and is normally in the position illustrated in Fig. 1 since the springs 29 urge the associated coupling elements 24 into this position in which all coupling elements 24 abut against a control bar 48 which will be described hereinafter in further detail. The shape of the springs 29 is best seen in Fig. 4 from which it will become apparent that each spring passes through two holes in the respective key leverand has two transversely bent end portions respectively abutting against the key lever 20, and a shoulder on the coupling element 24.

Each coupling element has two coupling legs 26 and 27. A transverse lug 26' is provided at the free end of coupling leg 26. and a transverse lug 27' is provided on the coupling leg 27. In the normal position of the mechanism in which single actuation is effected, the leg 26 and the lug 26' are located opposite a projection 28 on the respective associated lever 2. When all coupling elements 24 are simultaneously shifted into the position shown in Fig. 4 in a manner which will be described hereinafter in greater detail, the projection 28 is located opposite the inclined lug 27', which corresponds to repeated actuation of the respective type lever.

The mechanism is normally in the.position illustrated in Fig. 1. When a key lever 20 is depressed, the respective lug 26' engages the projection 28, and turns the respective drive lever 2 fromrthe normal position illustrated in Fig. 1 into an intermediate position in which the face 3 of the arm 3 frictionally engages the cylindrical surface of the continuously rotating drive means quent y, th m e .i i en ow wa y until the drive lever 2 engages thestopp in an actuated position. During such downward movement, the drive lever 2 is forced to the left inFigLl and effects a pivotal movement of the ,actuating lever 5 in counterclockwise direction so that the respective associated type lever 19 is actuated-through the linkage 10,.13, 16. 'Directly before the type 19' hits the platenora sheet thereon, the face 3 separates from the drive means '1, so that the drive lever 2 returns to itsuppenpositione under the influence of spring 9, and when the type lever 19 drops back, the whole systempivots about pivot pin 4 into the initial normal position illustrated injFig. 1.

During this operation, the projection 28 moves along a closed path 28' which has a first portion corresponding to the downward movement of lever 2, a second portion corresponding to the movement to the left, a third portion corresponding to the upward movement of lever 2, and a fourth portion corresponding to'thereturn movement of lever 5.

In the event that the key lever 20 isheld in depressed position to the end of the actuation of the respective type lever by the drive means 1, the U-shaped member 24 is in the position illustrated in Fig. 2, .and the projection 28 passes at the end of the operation into the position illustrated in Fig. 2 in which'the projection 28 abuts against .the projection26', so that the drive lever 2, 3 cannot again return to its intermediate position in which the actuation Would'be repeated. When the key lever 20 is released, it returns to its normal position under the action of spring 22, and the position of Fig. l is again re-established'.

In accordance with the present invention, means are provided for selectively effecting single actuation, or repeat actuation, of the back spacing means by which the carriage of the machine is step-Wise retracted; As shovm in Figure 3 a manually operated back spacing key lever means is,provided which is arranged substantially parallel with the' key levers 20, and is. also pivotally mounted on the frame of the machine. The back spacing key lever means ,lzfl supports on a pin 142' a U-shaped coupling member 141 which has a yoke portion 143, and an arm 140. A shiftable lever has a coupling arm 151 normally located opposite the coupling portion 143. The shiftable lever 150 has an elongated slot153 receivinga supporting pin ,152 which is mounted on the frame of the machine. Consequently, the shiftable lever 1-50-is mounted onpin 152 for pivotal movement, butis also movable:in-thedirection of the slot 153 into a displaced positionshown in-Figure '5. A-spring 154 is secured to the shi-ftable lever 150,-and urges the same to turn in clockwise direction as viewed-in Figures 3 and 5, and also to move from the position shown in Figure 3 to the displaced position shown in-Figure 5. The arm 155 of the shiftable lever"150 normally engages a radial shoulder 158 on a disc 156 which is mounted on a drive shaft. 161 and is freely turnable thereon. Drive shaft 161 is driven from thedrive motor of the machine and carries a star or ratchet wheel 162' for rotation therewith. Another disc 157 isfreely turnably mounted on drive shaft means 161 between the ratchet wheel 162 and the disc 156. Disc 157 also has a radial shoulder which is normally engaged .by the transversely projecting end portionof alever 159 which is turnably mounted on the pin152. The discs '156 and 157 have on the periphery thereof two axially aligned recesses 166 and 16 7,

Arwnlins le e 1 4: i ,n vQta11y-.;mnu t e p. ;d s 1;.

by means of a pivot pin 163 and is urged by a spring 168 to turn in counter-clockwise direction into a position in which a projection thereon engages the star wheel 162. The axially extending' bent-over portion 165 of the coupling lever 164abuts' againsta radial wall of the recess 166, and as long asthe 155 of the shiftable member 150 engages the radial shoulder 158 of disc 156, the coupling lever 164 cannot move into coupling engagement with the "star when 162.

The discs 156 and 157 have a pair of superimposed slots 170 through which a pin 169 passes so that'only limited relative turning-is possible between the two discs 156 and 157. v v

An eccentric cam means 180 is fixed on disc 156, as

best seen in Figure '6, and is shown in Figure 3 in an exploded view for the sake of clarity. The cam means 180 cooperates with the cam follower lever 190 which is turnable about the axis of a shaft 191, and is part of the back spacing means of the machine by which the carriage of the machine is step-wise retracted. Every time the cam means 180 performs a revolution, the back spacing element 190 is rocked, and effects retraction of the carriage of the machine for a single step.

The cam follower lever 190 is connected to a link 101 which acts through a pivot 102 on an angular lever 103. The angular lever 103 is under the action of a spring 106 and is turnably mounted on a pin 104 in the frame of the machine 105, The free end of spring 106 is also connected to the frame 105.

A slide member 108 is pivotally connected to arm 107 of lever 103, and members 103 and 108 are connected by a spring 118. v v

The slide member 108 has an elongated slot 109 through which a screw 110 passes so that slide member 108 is supported on the frame of the machine. The slot 109 has a straight lower edge and a curved upper edge permitting a transverse movement of slide 108.

The free end of slide member 108 has a hook-shaped portion 111 which cooperates with the teeth of a toothed wheel 112. A pinion 114 is fixedlyconnected to the shaft 113 of the wheel 112 and turns with the same. Pinion 114 meshes with a rack bar 115 which is fixedly secured to the carriage 116 ofthe machine. A sheet transporting roll 117 is mounted on the carriage 116.

Whenever the eccentric cam means 180 pivots lever 190 during the rotation thereof, angular lever 103 is turned about the axis of pin 104 in the direction of the arrow V. During such movement the portion 111 of slide member 108 engages the toothed wheel 112 and turns the same in the direction of the arrow VII one step so that the rack bar 115, and thereby the carriage 116 are shifted one step in return direction of the carriage, as indicated by the arrow VIII.

If the eccentric cam 180 acts on the lever '190 only once, spring 106 retracts lever 103, link 101 and backspacing lever 190 to initial position. At the same time slide member 108 is shifted in direction of the arrow VI, sliding past the teeth of wheel 112, due to the curved shape of the upper edge of slot 109. Spring 118 then urges slide member 108 upwardly so that the lower straight edge of slot 109 engages the shank portion of screw 110.

If cam 180 performs several revolutions, the wheel 112 is turned a corresponding number of steps and the carriage 116 is retracted a corresponding number of steps.

Thus, it is evident that the back-spacing means will elfect retraction of the carriage for a single step if the coupling means 162, 164, 156 and 157 connect shaft 161 with the cam means 180 for a single revolution, and will elfect retraction of the carriage for several steps if the coupling means 162, 164, 156and 157 are held in coupling position during several rotations of the shaft 113.

The coupling means 162, 164, 156 and 157 serve this purpose by coupling the actuating cam means to the continuously rotating drive shaft161 when the back- 6 spacing key means 120 is depressed into its actuating position.

In order to obtain the single actuation of the back spacing means for the carriage, or a repeated actuation of the back-spacing means for the carriage, the above described coupling means operate in the following manner.

When the back spacing key means 120 is depressed, the portion 143 of the coupling member 141 engages the coupling portion 151 of the shiftable lever 150, and

turns lever in counter-clockwise direction from the position shown in Figure 3 to the position shown in Figure 5 in which the arm 155 releases the radial shoulder 158 of the disc 156 so that disc 156 is released for turning movement in counterclockwise direction.

Spring 168 pulls coupling lever 164 into coupling engagement with the star wheel 162. This is possible since the portion of the coupling lever 164 is no longer blocked by the wall of recess 166 in disc 156 after release of disc 156 by the lever arm 155. The two discs 156 and 157 turn together with cam until the projection of the coupling lever 164 is firmly located in a recess of star wheel 162. In this position, the drive shaft means 161 is coupled to the cam 180, and the back spacing element will be actuated once during each revolution of the drive shaft 161.

During such turning movement of the discs 156 and 157, the arm 155 will slide on the periphery of disc 156 while being urged inwardly by spring 154. When disc 156 has performed a single revolution, arm 155 will engage the radial shoulder 158 of disc 156 and will block further rotation of disc 156 in the direction of the arrow II. When portion 165 engages the wall 166a of recess 166, best seen in Figure 6, the coupling lever 164 is turned in clockwise direction against the action of spring 168, and releases the star Wheel 162 so that the discs 156 and 157, as well as the actuating cam 180 are disconnected from the drive shaft 1611. Consequently, the back spacing element is actuated only once, and the carriage is retracted for a single step. If the second coupling means 141, 151 would remain in coupling position during this operation, the key means 120 would hold the arm 155 of the shiftable lever 150 in the raised position shown in Figure 5 so that after the first revolution of the disc 156, the shoulder 158 would not be engaged by the arm 155, and the cam means 180 would continue to rotate and to perform repeated actuations of the back spacing element 190 as long as the back spacing key 120 is held in depressed position. This is not desired in the preferred embodiment of the present invention in which repeat actuation is only to take place upon operation of a control means, as will be described hereinafter. As described above, the shiftable lever 150 is displaceable in a direction of slot 153, and as soon as the shiftable lever 150 is turned into its raised position releasing the shoulder 158, spring 154 pulls lever 150 to the right as viewed in Figure 3, so that the coupling arm 151 of lever 150 moves away from the coupling portion 143 of the coupling member 141. Moreover, the arm 140 of the coupling member 141 is urged by gravity, or by a spring, not shown, against a control bar 48 which will be described hereinafter in greater detail. When the depressed back spacing key lever 120 moves toward the control bar 48, arm 140 is blocked by control bar 48 and efiects turning of the coupling member 141 in the direction of the arrow III away from the coupling arm 151 of the shifta-ble lever 150. Consequently, even if the back spacing key means 120 is held in depressed position, the shiftable lever 150 will be free to be turned under the action of spring 154 in clockwise direction to slide on the depressed portion of the periphery of disc 156 adjacent the radial shoulder 158 until arm 155 engages the shoulder 158 after a single revolution of the cam means 180.

Common control means are provided for simultane ously setting all type lever actuating means, and also the actuating means for the back spacing element, to repeat actuation. The arrangement will be best understood with reference to Figure 3 which shows one key lever by which a type lever is operated, and the key lever 120 for the back spacing means. The type levers, and the other key levers by which the other type levers are actuated,

are omitted in Figure 3 for the sake of clarity.

The control means include two end members 46 and 47 which are pivotally mounted on the machine frame for movement about pivot means 55 and 56 which are preferably threaded by threaded portions 53, 54 into corresponding bores in the side walls of the frame. The two end members 46 and 47 are connected by the control bar 48 which passes through all U-shaped coupling elements 24 of the set of key levers 20 and also engages the hook-shaped arm 140 of coupling member 141, as described above. Consequently pivoting of the two end members 46 and 47 about the pivots 55 and 56 will result in shifting of the control means between a first position for producing single actuation of the type levers and of the back spacing element 190, and a second position in which repeated actuation of the type levers and of the back spacing element 190 will take place as will be described hereinafter in greater detail.

The control means further include a control crank shaft 49 having a crank portion 50 extending across all key levers 20. The crank shaft end portions are turnably mounted in the end members 46 and 47. A holding means 61 is fixedly secured to one crank shaft end portion for turning movement with the control crank shaft- 49. The holding means 61 has two arms 62 and 65, the arm 65 being provided with a locking projection 67 cooperating with a stop 69 which is fixedly secured to the machine frame by screws 68. A spring 63 is'connectedto the arm 62 and secured to a bore 64 in the end member 46 so that the holding means 61 is normally turned away from the stop 69. The arm 65 of theholding means 61 has a lateral projection 66 which is arranged above a locking means 41. Locking means 41 is turnable about a pin 70 which is secured by a threadedconnection to the machine frame. A spring 71 extends between the arm 41 of the locking means 41 and the end member 46. The end member 46 is connected by spring 57 to an ear 59 on the machine frame so that the entire control means is normally in a position in which the control bar 48 is in the position illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3 corresponding to single actuation of the type levers.

For shifting the control means into the second position thereof which corresponds to repeat actuation, operating means are provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the operating means include an operating member 39 having a slot 42 engaging a pin 43 which is fixedly secured to the end member 46. A spring 45 is attached at one end to the pin 43 and at the other end to a bore 44 in the operating member 39 so that the pin 43 is urged into the slot 42. The operating member 39 has a pin or projection 40 which is engaged by the locking means 41 under the action of the spring 71.

The other end of the operating member 39 is connected by a pivot pin 38 to a lever 32 which'is turnable about a pin 33 which is threaded into the machine frame. A handle portion 37 is provided at the end of lever 32 which is movable between two end positions defined by the adjustable stops 34 and 35.

Due to the action of spring 57, the entire control means is normally held in a position in which the control bar 48 is located as shown in Figs. 1 and 3. In this position, the coupling leg 26 is eifectivewhen any one of the key levers 20 is depressed so that only a single actuation of a type lever takes place when the associated key lever is depressed. In this position, the projections 51 which are provided on the key levers 20, and the projection 121. on back spacing lever 120, are transversely spaced from the crank portion 50 of the control 8. crank shaft 49. The spring 71 urges the locking means 41 against thepin 40,.andthe spring 63 urges the holding means 611into aninopegative releasing position.

For presetting .mechanism to repeat actuation of the typelevers and of the back spacing means, the lever .32 is shifted in direction of the arrow 36 so that the operating member .39 performs a movement to the right as viewed ,in Fig. 3. During such movement, the end member 46 turns-in the direction of the arrow 60 in clockwise direction about the pivot pin 55, and the end member 47 turns about the pin 56. Under the action of spring 45 the pin 43 remains in the bottom of slot 42. The control bar 48 moves with the two end members 46 and 47 into the position illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5, in which all U-shaped coupling elements 24 are turned into the repeatactuation position shown in Fig. 4, and

in which arm 140 moves to the position shown in Fig. 5 so that the U-shapedcoupling member 141 turns into a position in which portion 143 covers a greater part of arm 151. The lugs 27 are now located opposite the projections 28 of the associated drive levers 2 of the type lever actuating means 2, 5. At the same time, the crank portion 50 of the control crank shaft 49 has been moved underneath the projections 51 of the key levers 20 and the projection of back spacing key lever 120.

In order to prevent that the control means return to normal position under the action of spring means 57 as soon as the lever 32, .37 is released, the control means are immediately locked by the locking means 41.

When the operating member 39 is shifted after actuation of the lever 32, 37, the pin 40 moves away from the edge of member 41 so that member 41 turns in clockwise direction under the action of spring 71 and'into a'position in which its locking projection 72 engages the lug 73 of the end member 46. Since the locking means 41 is mounted in the machine frame, the control means is locked in the second position thereof which corresponds to repeat actuation. The mechanism is thereby preset for operation of the key levers. 7

When any one of the key levers 20 and 120 is actuated, its projection 51 or .121 engages the crank portion 50 of control'crank shaft 49and turns the control cam shaft 49 and thereby the holding means 61 in clockwise direction. Duringsuch turning movement of the holding means 61, the holding means 61 assumes a control position in which the locking means 41 is released, and return movement of the control means to a normal position is prevented by the holding means 61. The holding means 61 engages with its lug 66 theopposite arm of the locking means 41,- and turns the locking means 41 in counter-clockwise direction so that the locking projection 72 releases the lug73. At the same time, the projection 67 of the holding means 61 engages the stop 69 which is-fixed on the machine frame so that the control means is now prevented from movement in counterclockwise direction by the holding means 61.

It will be understood that the locking means 41 is provided for holding the control means in repeat actuation position while no key lever is depressed, while the holding means 61 is provided for holding the control means in repeat actuation position during the time any one key lever 20 or 120 is depressed.

In the repeat position of'the control means, and more particularly of the control bar 48, shown in Figure 5, the lowered arm turns coupling member 141' into a position in which the coupling portion 143 is located over a greater part of arm 151 of shiftable lever so that even displacement of lever 150in direction of slot 153 will not effect a disengagement between thev coupling members 143 and 151. Consequently shiftable lever 150 is maintained in its raised position, as long as back spacing key means 120 is'held'in depressed actuated position, and the arm 155 will not engage the radial shoulder 158 so that coupling lever 164'will remain 'in engagement with the-coupling wheel 1'62, and-discs 156xand 157 will continuously rotate together with the cam'180 until back spacing key lever 120 is again released and returns to its normal position. During each revolution of cam means 180, back spacing lever 190 is rocked once, so that the back spacing element will perform as many strokes as cam 180 performs revolutions whereby the carriage isretracted step by step, and as many steps as "desired.

When the back spacing lever means 120 is again released, it returns to its normal position and releases the crank shaft portion 50.

Similarly, when a depressed key lever 20 is released, it releases the crank shaft portion 50. Consequently, spring 63 turns crank shaft 49 and the holding means 61 in counter-clockwise direction releasing the control means from stop 69. Spring 57 now turns-the control means in counterclockwise direction into initial position corresponding to single actuation of the mechanism. Pin 43 pushes during such movement of the control means, the operating member 39 to the left as viewed in Figure 3 whereby the initial position of the operating lever 32 is again achieved. At the same time, the control bar 48 is raised to its initial position, and turns through arm 140 coupling member 141 into a position releasing arm 151 of shiftable lever 150. Thereupon, arm 155 engages shoulder 158, and stops disc 156 so that cam 180 is disconnected from drive shaft 161. In this position, lever 159 engages shoulder 160 of disc 157 under the action of a spring, not shown.

In the preset position of the control means, the inclined lug 27 is located opposite the projection 28, and

is best seen in Fig. 4. During the initial depression of the respective key lever 20, the lug 27 turns the drive lever 2 in clockwise direction thereby moving the arm 3 from its normal position to an intermediate position in which the face 3 engages the drive means 1 so that the arm 3 moves downwardly as previously described. Thereby actuation of the associated type lever takes place. Directly before the type strikes the platen, the face 3 is separated from the drive means, and the type lever actuating means 2, 5 return to the intermediate position, but are prevented from returning to normal position since the lug 27 blocks further movement of the type lever actuating means beyond the intermediate position in which the i drive means 1 become again efiective.

Since the type lever actuating means 2, 5 cannot return to normal position as long as the lever 20 is held depressed, but is always returned to intermediate position, the drive means again actuate the type lever actuating means so that the type lever is repeatedly actuated. The position of the U-shaped coupling element 24 is determined by the control bar 48 which is located between the end portions of the coupling legs 26 and 27. When the key lever 20 is again released, the U-shaped coupling element 24 returns with key lever 20 to the position illustrated in Fig. 4 in which the lug 27 permits return of the type lever actuating means into normal position. As previously described, the control means return at the same time to normal position since the release of any key lever 20 or 120 releases the holding means 61. Consequently the position shown in Figs. 1 and 3 is again obtained and the next actuation of a key lever 20 or 120 will produce a single actuation of the respective type lever.

As explained above, the mechanism is normally returned into single actuation position by release of a previously depressed key lever 20 or 120. It is, however, also possible to return the mechanism to a normal position by shifting the operating lever 32 from its preset position to normal position. When the operating member 39 is moved to the left in Fig. 3, the projection 40 engages the arm 77 of the locking means 1 and releases the same from engagement with the lug 73.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of repeat actuation 1G mechanism for business machines differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a repeat actuation mechanism for the back spacing means of the machine carriage and in an apparatus by which type levers and a back spacing means are simultaneously set either to single actuation, or to repeat actuation, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. In a business machine, in combination, drive means; a plurality of independently movable operating elements adapted to perform operations in the machine; a set of manually operated means movable between a normal position and an actuated position and being respectively associated with said movable operating elements; control means common to all said operating elements and being shiftable between a single actuation position and a repeat actuation position; a set of actuating devices for connecting each of said manually operated elements with the associated operating element and being connected to and controlled by said control means to eflect single actuation and repeat actuation of the associated operating element in said single actuation position and said repeat actuation position, respectively, of said control means, at least one of said actuating devices comprising a rotary actuating means for actuating the respective operating element once during each revolution; first coupling means including a shiftable member shiftable between a first position in which said first coupling means couples said actuating means to said drive means for rotation therewith, and a second position for disengaging said coupling means after a single revolution, said shiftable member tending to assume said second position so that said first coupling means is normally disengaged; second coupling means connected to one of said manually operated means for movement therewith, said second coupling means being movable between a normal position and a releasing position, said second coupling means in said normal position coupling said manually operated means with said shiftable member so that the same is moved to said first position when said manually operated means is moved to said actuated position, and is released for movement to said second position thereof when said manually operated means returns to said normal position thereof, said control means in said single actuation position engaging said second coupling means in said actuated position of said manually operated means for shifting said second coupling means to said releasing position so that said shiftable member is released by said second coupling means and moves to said second position thereof whereby only a single actuation of the respective associated operating element is effected even if said manually operated means is held in said actuated position, said control means in said repeat actuation position engaging and maintaining said second coupling means in said normal position while said manually operated means is in said actuated position so that said shiftable member is held in said first position and repeated actuation of said associated operating element takes place while said manually operated means is in said actuated position. i

2. In a business machine including a carriage, in-

combination, drive means; a plurality of independently movable operating elements adapted to perform operations in the machine and including type lever elements and a back-spacking element for returning the carriage step by step; a set of manually operated key means movable between a normal position and an actuated position and being respectively associated with said movable operating elements, one of said manually operated key means being a back-spacing key means associated with said back-spacing element; control means common to all said operating elements and being shiftable between a single actuation position and a repeat-actuation position; a set of actuating devices for connecting each of said manually operated key elements with the associated operating element, and being connected to and controlled by said control means to effect single actuation and repeat actuation of the associated operating element in said single actuation position and said repeat actuation position, respectively, of said control means, one of said actuating devices being associated with said back-spacing element and comprising a rotary actuating means for actuating said back-spacing element once during each revolution; first coupling means including a shiftable member shiftable between a first position in which said first coupling means couples said actuating means to said drive means for rotation therewith, and a second position for disengaging said coupling means after a single revolution, said shiftable member tending to assume said second position so that said first coupling means is normally disengaged; second coupling means connected to said back-spacing key means for movement therewith, said second couplin means being movable between a normal position and -a releasing position, said second coupling means in said normal position coupling said back-spacing key means with said shiftable member so that the same is moved to said first position when said back-spacing key means is moved to said actuated position, and is released for movement to said :second position thereof when said back-spacing key means returns to said normal position thereof, said control means in said single actuation position engaging said second coupling means in said actuated position of said back-spacing key means for shifting said second coupling means to said releasing position so that said shiftable member is released by said second coupling means and moves to said second position thereof whereby only a single actuation of the said back-spacing key means is effected even if said back-spacing key means is held in said actuated position, said control means in said repeat actuation position engaging and maintaining said second coupling means in said normal position while said back-spacing key means is in said actuated position so that said shiftable member is held in said first position and repeated actuation ofsaid back-spacing element takes place while said back-spacing key means is in said actuated position.

3. In a business machine, in combination, drive means; a movable operating element adapted to perform an operation in the machine; manually operated means movable between a normal position and an actuated position; rotary actuating means for actuating said movable element-once during each revolution; first coupling means including a shiftable member shiftable between a first position in which said first coupling means couples said actuating means to said drive means for rotation therewith, and a second position for disengaging said first coupling means after a single revolution, said shiftable member tending to assume said second position so that said first coupling means is normally disengaged; second coupling means connected to said manually operated means for movement therewith, said second coupling means being movable between a normal position and a releasing position, said second coupling means in said normal position coupling said manually operated means with said shiftablemember so that the same is movedto 'back-spacmg key means is 1n sald actuated position so 12 said first position when said manually operated means is moved to said actuated position, and is released for movement to said second position thereof when said manually operated means returns-to said normal position thereof; and control means shiftable between .a

single actuation position and a repeat actuation position,-

said control means in said single actuation position engaging said second coupling means in said actuated position of said manually operated means for shifting said second coupling means to said releasing position so that said shiftable member is released by said second coupling means and moves to said second position thereof whereby only a single actuation of said operating element is effected even if said manually operated means 'is held in said actuated position, said control means in said repeat actuation position engaging and maintaining said second coupling means in said normal position While said manually operated means is .in said actuated position so that said shiftable member is held in said first position and repeated actuation of said operating element takes place while said manually operated means is in said actuated position.

'4. In a business machine including a carriage, in combination, drive means; a movable back-spacing element for returning the carriage step by step; a backspacing key means movable between a normal position and an actuated position; rotary actuating means for actuating said back-spacing element once during each revolution to retract the carriage one step; first coupling means including a shiftable member shiftable between a first position in which said first coupling means couples said actuating means to said drive means for rotation therewith, and a second position for disengaging said first coupling means after a single revolution, said shiftable member tending to assume said second position so that said first coupling means is normally disengaged; second'couplin'g means attached to said back-spacing key means for movement therewith, said second coupling means being movable between a normal position and a releasing position, said second coupling means in said normal position coupling said back-spacing key means with said shiftable member so that the same is moved to said first position when said back-spacing key means is moved to said actuated position, and is released for movement to said second position thereof when said back-spacing key means returns to said normal position thereof; and control means shiftable between a single actuation position and a repeat actuation position, said control means in said single actuation position engaging ,said second coupling means in said actuated position of said back-spacing key means for shifting said second coupling means to said releasing position so that said shiftable member is released by said second coupling means and moves to said second position thereof whereby only a single actuation of said back-spacing element and retraction of the carriage for a single step is effected even if said back-spacing key means is held in said actuated position, said control means in said repeat actuation position engaging and maintaining said second coupling means in said normal position while said that said shiftable member is held in said first position and repeated actuation of said back-spacing element and continuous step-wise retraction of the carriage takes .place while said back-spacing key means is in said actuated position.

5. In a business machine including a carriage, in combination, drive means; a movable back-spacing element for returning the carriage step by step; a backspacing key means movable between a normal position and an actuated position; rotary actuating means for actuating said back-spacing element once during each revolution to retract the carriage one step; first coupling means including a shiftable member shiftable between a first;position .in which said first coupling means couples said actuating means to said drive means for rotation therewith, and a second position for disengaging said first coupling means after a single revolution, said shiftable member tending to assume said second position so ing of said shiftable member to said second position there of whereby only a single actuation of said back-spacing element and retraction of the carriage for a single step is effected, said control means in said repeat actuation position effectlng holding of said shiftable member in said first position whereby repeated actuation of said backspacing element and continuous stepwise retraction of the carriage takes place while said back-spacing key means is in said actuated position.

6. In a business machine including a carriage, in combination, drive means; a movable back-spacing element for returning the carriage step by step; a back-spacing key means movable between a normal position and an actuated position; rotary actuating means for actuating said back-spacing element once during each revolution to retract the carriage one step; first coupling means including a shiftable member shiftable between a first position in which said first coupling means couples said actuatiugmeans to said drive means for rotation therewith, and a second position for disengaging said first coupling means after a single revolution, said shiftable member tending to assume said second position so that said first coupling means is normally disengaged; second coupling means attached to said back-spacing key means for movement therewith, said second coupling means being movable between a normal position and a releasing position, said second coupling means in said normal position coupling said back-spacing key means with said shiftable member so that the same is moved to said first position when said back-spacing keymeans is moved to said actuated position, and is released for movement to said second position thereof when said back-spacing key means returns to said normal position thereof; control means shiftable between a single actuation position and a repeat actuation position, said control means in said single actuation position engaging said second coupling means in said actuated position of said back-spacing key means for shifting said second coupling means to said releasing position so that said shiftable member is released by said second coupling means and moves to said second position thereof whereby only a single actuation of said backspacing element and retraction of the carriage for a single step is effected even if said back-spacing key means is held in said actuated position, said control means in said repeat actuation position engaging and maintaining said second coupling means in said normal position while said back-spacing key means is in said'actuated position so that said shiftable member is held in said first position and repeated actuation of said back-spacing element and continuous stepwise retraction of the carriage takes place while said back-spacing key means is in said actuated position; means urging said control means into said single actuation position; operating means for moving said control means to said repeat actuation position; locking means for locking said control means in said repeat actuation position; and releasing means connected to and controlled by said back-spacing key means to release said locking means when said back-spacing key means returns to said normal position.

7. In a business machine including a carriage, in combination, drive means; a plurality of independently movable operating elements adapted to perform operations in the machine and including type lever elements and a back-spacing element for returning the carriage step by step; a set of manually operated key means movable between a normal position and an actuated position and being respectively associated with said movable operating elements, one of said manually operated key means being a back-spacing key means associated with said back-spacing element; control means common to all said operating elements and being shiftable between a single actuation position and a repeat actuation position; a set of actuating devices for connecting each of said manually operated key elements with the associated operating element, and being connected to and controlled by said control means to effect single actuation and repeat actuation of the associated operating element in said single actuation position and said repeat actuation position, respectively, of said control means, one of said actuating devices being associated with said back-spacing element and comprising a rotary actuating means for actuating said back-spacing element once during each revoiution; first coupling means including a shiftable member shiftable between a first position in which said first coupling means couples said actuating means to said drive means for rotation therewith, and a second position for disengaging said coupling means after a single revolution, said shiftable member tending to assume said second position so that said first coupling means is normally disengaged; second coupling means connected to said backspacing key means for movement therewith, said second coupling means being movable between a normal position and a releasing position, said second coupling means in said normal position coupling said back-spacing key means with said shiftable member so that the same is moved to said first position when said back-spacing key means is moved to said actuated position, and is released for movement to said second .position thereof when said back-spacing key means returns to said normal position thereof, said control means in said single actuation position engaging said second coupling means in said actuated position of said back-spacing key means for shifting said second coupling means to said releasing position so that said shiftable member is released by said second coupling means and moves to said second position thereof whereby only a single actuation of said back-spacing element is effected even if said back-spacing key means is held in said actuated position, said control means in said repeat actuation position engaging and maintaining said second coupling means in said normal position while said back-spacing key means is in said actuated position so that said shiftable member is held in said first position and repeated actuation of said back-spacing element takes place while said back-spacing key means is in said actuated position; means urging said control means into said single actuation position; operating means for moving said control means to said repeat actuation position; looking means for locking said control means in said repeat actuation position; and releasing means connected to and controlled by said back-spacing key means to release said locking means when said back-spacing key means returns to said normal position.

8. In a business machine including a carriage, in combination, drive means; a plurality of independently moveable operating elements adapted to perform operations in the machine and including type lever elements and a back-spacing element for returning the carriage step by step; a plurality of key means movable between a normal position and an actuated position and being respectively associated with said operating elements, one of said key means being a back-spacing key means associated with said back-spacing element; control means common to all said operating elements and being shiftable between a single actuation position and a repeat actuation position; a set of actuating devices for connecting each of said key means with the associated operating elements, and including an actuating device connecting said backspacing key means with said back-spacing element, each of said actuating devices including a means connected to and controlled by said control means to effect single actuation of the respective operating element when the associated key means is actuated while said control means is in st d single actuation position, and to eflect repeat actuation of the respective operating element when the associated key means is held in said actuated position while said control means is in said repeat actuation position; means urging said control means into said single actuation position; operating means for moving said control means to said repeat actuation position; locking means for locking said control means in said repeat actuation position; and releasing means connected to and controlled by any one of said key means .to release said locking means when any one of said key means returns to said normal position.

9. In a business machine including a carriage, in com bination, drive means; a plurality of independently movable operating elements adapted to perform operations in the machine and including type lever elements and a backspacing element for returning the carriage step by step; a plurality of key means movable between a normal position and an actuated position and being respectively associated with said operating elements, one of said key means being a back-spacing key means associated with said back-spacing element; control means common to all said operating elements and being shiftable between a single actuation position and a repeat actuation position; a set of actuating devices for connecting each of said key means with the associated operating element, and including an actuating device connecting said back-spacing key means with said back-spacing element, each of said actuating devices including a means connected to and controlled by said control means to effect single actuation of the respective operating element when the associated key means is actuated while said control means is in said single actuation position, and to effect repeat actuation of the respective element when the associated key means is held in said actuated position while said control means is in said repeat actuation position; means urging said control means into said single actuation position; operating means for moving said control means to said repeat actuation position; locking means for locking said control means in said repeat actuation position; and releasing means connected to and controlled by said back-spacing key means to release said locking means when said back-spacing key means returns to said normal position.

10. In a business machine, in combination, drive shaft means; a movable operating element adapted to perform an operation in the machine; manually operated means movable between a normal position and an actuated position; rotary actuating cam means for actuating said movable element once during each revolution; first coupling means including a pair of discs turnably mounted on said driveshaft means, one of said discs being fixedly connected to'said cam means for rotation therewith and having a radial shoulder, both said discs having aligned recesses in the periphery thereof, a spring loaded coupling lever pivotally mounted on the other disc and having an axially extending portion located in said recesses, said coupling lever having a projection, a coupling star wheel fixedly secured to said drive shaft means and cooperating with said coupling lever so that in one position of said coupling lever said discs and said cam means are coupled to said drive shaft means, and a spring-loaded shiftable lever turnable between a first position slidably engaging the periphery of said one disc and a second position engaging also said radial shoulder of said one disc, said shiftable lever tending to move to said second position, said shiftable lever in said first position permitting coupling engagement between said coupling lever and said star wheel whereby said cam means is coupled to said drive shaft means, said shiftable lever in said second position turning said one disc relative to the other disc and effecting separation of said coupling lever from said star wheel after a single revolution of said discs and cam means; second coupling means connected to said manually operated means for movement therewith, said second coupling means being movable between a normal position and a releasing position, said second coupling means in said normal position coupling said manually operated means with said shiftable member sothat the same is moved to said first position when said manually operated means is moved to said actuated position, and is released for movement to said second position thereof when said manually operated means returns to said normal position thereof; and control means shiftable between a single actuation position and a repeat actuation position, said control means in said single actuation position engaging said second coupling means in said actuated position of said manually operated means for shifting said second coupling means to said releasing position so that said shiftable member is released by said second coupling means and moves to said second position thereof whereby only a single actuation of said operating element is effected even if said manually operated means is held in said actuated position, said control means in said repeat actuation position engaging and maintaining said second coupling means in said normal position While said manually operated means is in said actuated position so that said shiftable member is held in said first position and repeated actuation of said operating element takes place while said manually operated means is in said actuated position.

11. An apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said actuating means is a rotary eccentric cam and wherein said back-spacing element includes a pivoted lever engaged by said rotary eccentric cam; wherein said drive means is a rotary shaft; wherein said first coupling means includes a pair of adjacent discs turnably mounted on said shaft, one of said discs being fixedly connected to said rotary eccentric cam for rotation therewith, said one disc having a radial shoulder, both said discs having aligned recesses in the periphery thereof, a spring loaded coupling lever pivotally mounted on the other disc and having an axially extending portion located in said recesses, said coupling lever havig a projection, and a coupling star wheel fixedly secured to said shaft and cooperating with said coupling lever so that in one position of said coupling lever said discs and said eccentric cam are coupled to said shaft; and wherein said shiftable member of said first coupling means is a spring loaded shiftable lever engaging the periphery of said one disc in said first position thereof, and engaging also said radial shoulder in said second position thereof.

'12. An apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said second coupling means includes a coupling member pivotally mounted on said back-spacing key means and having a portion located opposite said shiftable member in said coupling position and spaced from said shiftable member in said releasing position, said second coupling means including an arm member secured to said coupling member; and whereinsaid control means includes a control bar movable between two positions corresponding to said single actuating position and said repeat actuation position of said control means and engaging said arm member so that said coupling member is pivoted between said positions thereof.

13. An apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said actuating means is a rotary eccentric cam and wherein said back-spacing element includes a pivoted lever engaged by said rotary eccentric cam; wherein said drive means'is a rotary shaft; wherein said first coupling means includes a pair of adjacent discs turnably mounted on said shaft, one of said discs being fixedly connected to said rotary eccentric cam for rotation therewith, said one disc having a radial shoulder, both said discs having aligned recesses in the periphery thereof, a spring loaded coupling lever pivotally mounted on the other disc and having an axially extending portion located in said recesses, said coupling lever having a projection, and a coupling star wheel fixedly secured to said' shaft and cooperating with said coupling leverso that in one position of said coupling ,lever said discs and said eccentric cam are coupled to said haft; wherein said shiftable member of said first cou- '17 I pling means is a spring loaded shiftable lever engaging the periphery of said one disc in said first position thereof, and engaging also said radial shoulder in said second position thereof; wherein said second coupling means includes a coupling member pivotally mounted on said back-spacing key means and having a portion located opposite said shiftable lever in said coupling position and spaced from said shiftable lever in said releasing position, said second coupling means including an arm member secured to said coupling member; and wherein said control means include a control bar movable between two positions corresponding to said single actuation position and said repeat actuation position of said control means and engaging said arm member so that said coupling member is pivotedbetween said positions thereof.

14. An apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein said coupling member is a U-shaped member having a yoke portion cooperating with said shiftable lever.

15. An apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said actuating means is a rotary eccentric cam and wherein said back-spacing element includes a pivoted lever engaged by said rotary eccentric cam; wherein said drive means is a rotary shaft; wherein said first coupling means includes a pair of adjacent discs turnably mounted on said shaft, one of .said discs being fixedly connected to said rotary eccentric cam for rotation therewith, said one disc having a radial shoulder, both said discs having aligned recesses in the periphery thereof, a spring loaded coupling lever pivotally mounted on the other disc and having an axially extending portion located in said recesses, said coupling lever having a projection, a coupling star wheel fixedly secured to said shaft and cooperating with said coupling lever so that in one position of said coupling lever said discs and said eccentric cam are coupled to said shaft, and a pin; and wherein said shiftable member of said first coupling means is a springloaded shiftable lever engaging the periphery of said one disc in said first position thereof, and engaging also said radial shoulder in said second position thereof, said shiftable lever being formed with an elongated slot re ceiving said pin so that said shiftable lever is supported on said pin for turning movement and displacement in the direction of said slot, said spring loaded shiftable lever being displaced in said first position and being held by said radial shoulder in said second position of said shiftable member, said shiftable lever in displaced position being retracted from said second coupling means.

16. An apparatus as set for in claim '2 wherein said actuating means is a rotary eccentric cam and wherein said back-spacing element includes a pivoted lever engaged by said rotary eccentric cam; wherein said drive means is a rotary shaft; wherein said first coupling means includes a pair of adjacent .discs turnably mounted on said shaft, one of said discs being fixedly connected to said rotary eccentric cam for rotation therewith, said one disc having a radial shoulder, both said discs having aligned recesses in the periphery thereof, a spirng loaded coupling lever pivo-tally mounted on the other disc and having an axially extending portion located in said recesses, said coupling lever having a projection, a. coupling star wheel fixedly secured to said shaft and cooperating with said coupling lever so that in one position of said coupling lever said discs and said eccentric cam are coupled to said shaft, and a pin; wherein said shiftable member of said first coupling means is a spring loaded shiftable lever engaging the periphery of said one disc in said first position thereof, and engaging also said radial shoulder in said second position thereof, said shiftable lever being formed with an elongated slot receiving said pin so that said shiftable lever is supported on said pin for turning movement and displacement in the direction of said slot, said spring loaded shiftable lever being displaced in said first position and being held by said radial shoulder in said second position of said shiftable member, said shiftable lever in displaced posi- 18 tion beingretracted from said portion of said coupling member of second coupling means; wherein said second coupling means includes a coupling member pivotally mounted on said back-spacing key means and having a portion located opposite said shiftable lever in said coupling position and spaced from said shift-able lever in said releasing position, said second coupling means including an arm member secured to said coupling member; and wherein said control means include a control bar movable between two positions corresponding to said single actuation position and said repeat actuation position or said control means and engaging said arm member so that said coupling member is pivoted between said positions thereof.

17. In a business machine, in combination, drive shaft means; a movable operating element adapted to perform an operation in the machine; manually operated means movable between a normal position and an actuated position; rotary actuating cam means for actuating said movable element once during each revolution; first coupling means including a pair of discs turnably mounted on said drive shaft means, one of said discs being fixedly connected to said cam means for rotation therewith and having a radial shoulder, both said discs having aligned recesses in the periphery thereof, a spring loaded coupling lever pivotally mounted on the other disc and having an axially extending portion located in said recesses, said coupling lever having a projection, a coupling star wheel fixedly secured to said drive shaft means and cooperating with said coupling lever so that in one position of said coupling lever said discs and said cam means are coupled to said drive shaft means, a supporting pin, a spring loaded shiftable lever formed with an elongated slot receiving said pin so that said shiftable lever is supported on said pin turnable between a first position slidably engaging the periphery of said one disc and a second position engaging also said radial shoulder of said one disc, said shiftable lever being displaceable in direction of said slot from a normal position to a displaced position and being held in said normal position when abutting said shoulder in said second position, and resiliently moving to said displaced position in said first position thereof, said shiftable lever tending to move to said second position, said shiftable lever in said first position permitting coupling engagement between said coupling lever and said star wheel whereby said cam means is coupled to said drive shaft means, said shiftable lever in said second position turning said one disc relative to the other disc and efiecting separation of said coupling lever from said star Wheel after a single revolution of said discs and cam means; and second coupling means including a coupling member secured to said manually operated means for movement therewith and engaging said shiftable lever when the same is in said second position so that the same is moved from said second position to said first position when said manually operated means is actuated, and moves to said displaced position, said shiftable lever releasing said coupling memher in said displaced position, and said shiftable lever being returned to said normal position by said radial shoulder after a single revolution of said discs and said cam means.

18. In a business machine, in combination, drive shaft means; a movable operating element adapted to perform an operation in the machine; manually operated means movable between a normal position and an actuated position; rotary actuating cam means for actuating said movable element once during each revolution; first coupling means including a pair of discs turnably mounted on said drive shaft means, one of said discs being fixedly connected to said cam means for rotation therewith and having a radial shoulder, both said discs having aligned recesses in the periphery thereof, a spring loaded coupling lever pivotally mounted on the other disc and having an axially extending portion located in said recesses, said coupling lever having a projection, a coupling star wheel fixedly secured to said drive shaft means and co-operating with said coupling lever so that in one position of said coupling lever said discs and said cam means are coupled to said drive shaft means, a spring loaded shiftable lever turnable between a first position slidably engaging the periphery of said one disc and a second position engaging also said radial shoulder of said one disc, said shiftable lever tending to move to said second position, said shiftable lever in said first position permitting coupling engagement between said coupling lever and said star wheel whereby said cam means is coupled to said drive shaft means, said shiftable lever in said second position turning said one disc relative to the other disc and effecting separation of said coupling lever from said star wheel after a single revolution of said discs and cam means; second coupling means including a coupling member pivotally mounted on said manually operated means for movement between a normal position and a releasing position, said coupling member having a portion located opposite said shiftable lever in said coupling position and spaced from said shiftable lever in said releasing position, said coupling member in said normal position coupling said manually operated means with said shiftable lever so that the same is moved to said first position when said manually operated means is moved to said actuated position, and releasing said spring loaded shiftable lever for movement to said second position of the same when said manually operated means returns to said normal position thereof; and control means shiftable between a single actuation position and a repeat actuation position, said control means in said single actuation position engaging said second coupling means in said actuated position of said manually operated means for shifting said second coupling means to said releasing position so that said shiftable member is released by said second coupling means and moves to said second position thereof whereby only a single actuation of said operating element is effected even if said manually operated means is held in said actuated position, said control means in said repeat actuation position engaging and maintaining said second coupling means in said normal position while said manually operated means is in said actuated position so that said shiftable member is held in said first position and repeat d actuation of said operating element takes place while said manually operated means is in said actuated position.

19. In a business machine including a carriage, in combination, drive shaft means; a movable back-spacing element for returning the carriage step by step; a backspacing key means movable between a normal position and an actuated position; rotary actuating cam means for actuating said back-spacing element once during each revolution to retract the carriage one step; first coupling means including a pair of discs turnably mounted on said drive shaft means, one of said discs being fixedly connected to said cam means for rotation therewith and having a radial shoulder, both said discs having aligned recesses in the periphery thereof, a spring loaded coupling lever pivotally mounted on the other disc and having an axially extending portion located in said recesses, said coupling lever having a projection, a coupling star Wheel fixedly, secured to said drive shaft means and cooperating with said coupling lever so that in one position of said coupling lever said discs and said cam means are coupled to said drive shaft means, a spring loaded shiftable lever turnable between a first position slidably engaging the periphery of said one disc and a second position engaging also said radial shoulder of said one disc, said shiftable lever tending to move to said second position, said shiftable lever in said first position permitting coupling engagement between said coupling lever and said star wheel whereby said cam means is coupled to said drive shaft means, said shiftable lever in said second position turning said one disc relative to the other disc and effecting separation of said coupling lever from said star wheel after a single revolution of said discs and cam means; second coupling means including a coupling member pivotally mounted on said back-spacing key means for movement between a normal position and a releasing position, said coupling member having a portion located opposite said shiftable lever in said coupling position and spaced from said shiftable lever in said releasing position, said coupling member in said normal position cou pling said back-spacing key means with said shiftable lever so that the same is moved to said first position when said back-spacing key means is moved to said actuated position, and releasing said spring loaded shiftable lever for movement to said second position of the same when said back-spacing key means returns to said normal position thereof; and control means shiftable between a single actuation position and a repeat actuation position,

'said control means in said single actuation position engaging said second coupling means in said actuated position of said back-spacing key means for shifting said second coupling means'to said releasing position so that said shiftable member is released by said second coupling means and moves to said second position thereof whereby only a single actuation of said back-spacing element and retraction of the carriage for a single step is effected even if said back-spacing key means is held in said actuated position, said control means in said repeat actuation position engaging and maintaining said second coupling means in said normal position while sad back-spacing key means is in said actuated position so that said shiftable member is held in said first position and repeated actuation of said back-spacing element and continuous stepwise retraction of the carriage takes place while said back-spacing key means is in said actuated position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,614,475 Hokanson Jan. 18, 1927 1,929,975 Hokanson Oct. 10, 1933 1,984,410 Hart Dec. 18, 1934 2,088,064 Koca July 27, 1937 2,728,437 Kupper Dec. 27, 1955 

